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Science

Thin Lens Equation Calculator

Pick the unknown (object distance u, image distance v or focal length f), enter the other two and this tool instantly applies the thin-lens (Gaussian) equation 1/u + 1/v = 1/f, then computes the lateral magnification m = −v/u and classifies the image as real-inverted, virtual-upright or at infinity. Uses the "real-is-positive" Cartesian sign convention adopted by Hecht's Optics and Halliday/Resnick/Walker — the version taught in most physics courses.

Image distance v

15.00 cm

Converging lens (f > 0, convex)

Lateral magnification m

−0.500×

Inverted · Reduced

Image type

Real, inverted image

Light actually converges to form this image — it can be projected onto a screen or sensor. Cameras, projectors and the human eye all use real images.

Working

1/30 + 1/15 = 1/10

Real-is-positive Cartesian sign convention: positive u, v, f mean real object, real image and converging lens; negatives flag virtual / diverging.

Formula

1/u + 1/v = 1/f Lateral magnification m = −v / u Signs: u, v, f > 0 mean real object, real image, converging lens; negatives flag virtual / diverging.

Frequently asked

Why does my magnifying-glass setup give a negative image distance v?

Because the object sits closer than the focal length (u < f) of a converging lens. Plugging into 1/v = 1/f − 1/u gives 1/v < 0, so v < 0 — a virtual image on the same side as the object. The magnification m = −v/u flips to positive (upright) with |m| > 1 (enlarged), exactly what a magnifying glass does: you look through the lens and see an enlarged, upright image that cannot be projected onto a screen.

Can a diverging (concave) lens ever produce a real image?

Not for an ordinary real object. With f < 0 and u > 0, plugging into 1/v = 1/f − 1/u always yields a negative v (virtual, upright, reduced image) regardless of u. A diverging lens can only form a real image when a converging element ahead of it creates a "virtual object" (u < 0) — common in multi-element camera designs and telescope eyepiece compensators.

Which units does this tool use — can I enter mm or m instead of cm?

Yes. The equation 1/u + 1/v = 1/f is dimensionally homogeneous in distance, so the answer is correct as long as u, v and f share the same unit (cm, mm, m, or even inches). The cm label is just for display — type mm and the result comes back in mm. Magnification m is a dimensionless ratio and is unaffected by your choice of unit.

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